French diplomat's wife writes to Home Minister, MEA

The wife of the French diplomat, who has been accused of raping his three-and-a half year-old daughter, has appealed to the government to ensure that the official faces trial in India even if he enjoys diplomatic immunity.

The wife of the French diplomat, who has been accused of raping his three-and-a half year-old daughter, has appealed to the government to ensure that the official faces trial in India even if he enjoys diplomatic immunity.

In a letter to home minister P Chidambaram and external affairs minister SM Krishna, Suja Jones Mazurier has requested that her husband, Pascal Mazurier, be restrained from leaving the country till legal proceedings were completed and that under no circumstance should he be allowed custody of their children, who are French nationals.

Asha S Basu, counsel for Suja Jones Mazurier, who has written the letters on her behalf, sought protection for her client and her children.

Suja Jones also wanted the French Embassy to be directed to help her with legal and financial assistance, as she was currently unemployed and has to take care of their children.

Suja Jones, an Indian citizen, said she is married to Pascal Mazurier, deputy head of Chancery in the Consulate of France, Bangalore and have three children- a seven year-old son, the victim and a 20-month-old son.

She said apart from High Grounds police station here registering a case of rape against the diplomat, in view of the "medical evidence", the Baptist hospital, Bangalore has also registered a medico-legal case against him.

Suja Jones said she has already written to the Ambassador of France intimating the details of alleged domestic violence and repeated child abuse. Meanwhile, deputy commissioner of police (law & order) Suneel Kumar said "the victim (the daughter) has been taken to government-run Bowring Hospital for a medical examination. The medical report will take some time".

However, he said the police are checking the status of the diplomat with the union government to decide on future course of action. DCP (central division) Ravikante Gowda said the diplomat was just questioned and sent back to his consulate, adding, "if necessary, we will question him again."